• Cuba

Overview

Study biopsychosocial health in Cuba. This trip’s focus will be to develop an understanding of the life of women & minority groups. Students will visit organizations dedicated to protecting & advocating for women & social wellness in Cuba. Spend time at a maternity center that provides support to at-risk pregnant women & interact with local families to discuss the challenges they face in their everyday lives.   

Highlights

  • Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) – Discuss women’s role in Cuban society & its evolution over time
  • Counseling center for women & families – Meet representatives to learn how social workers & the FMC work together to provide counseling services
  • University of Havana, Department for the Study on Women – Learn about current research
  • Maternity home – Visit a center dedicated to helping disadvantaged &/or at-risk pregnant women
  • National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) – Talk with professionals about sex education policies & initiatives

Itinerary

Day 1: Havana

Arrive in Havana & check into your hotel. Start your trip with a city bus tour of Modern Havana followed by a welcome dinner & an evening on your own to explore.

Day 2: Havana

Meet the representatives of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) to discuss the role of women in Cuban society. Afterward, you will visit a counseling center for women & families to learn about how social workers & the FMC work together to provide counseling to women & families. Afterward, you will visit the José Martí Memorial, a monument dedicated one of Cuba’s most honored heroes & Revolution Square architectural complex. 

Day 3: Havana

Start your day with a visit to the Museum of the Revolution. Afterward, take a walking tour of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. You will see architectural wonders such as the Arms Square, the Saint Francis of Assisi Square, the Old Square, the Cathedral Square & the Bodeguita del Medio. Following your walk, you will visit the Department for the Study on Women of the University of Havana to learn about current research projects.  

Day 4: Havana

Visit the Literacy Campaign Museum & learn about the nationwide initiative to provide free education to all Cubans. Afterward, visit a Maternity Home, a center dedicated to serving underprivileged pregnant women. Other stops include visiting a gallery-studio of a Cuban artists & a walking tour around Ciudad Escolar Libertad. 

Day 5: Havana - Vinales

Depart for Viñales, a town said to be Fidel Castro’s favorite place in Cuba, stopping by Los Jazmines for a marvelous sightseeing view. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a visit a tobacco farm to learn about the process of making Cuba’s famous cigars. Then you will return to Havana to have a free evening to explore on your own. 

Day 6: Vinales - Havana

Listen to the stories of female workers at a scientific research center or factory. These women are eager to share their experiences with you & learn about life in the United States. Next, take a trip to the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) to learn about sex education in Cuba as well as advocacy for the elimination of health disparities. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a visit to a local community dance project to meet the female dancers.    

Day 7: Havana

Check out of your hotel & depart for José Martí International Airport to return home.